The series centers around Rita Madsen (Mille Dinesen), a headstrong and unconventional teacher and single mother. It received generally favorable response from critics, including Henrik Palle in Politiken who commented that the series “works really well with some characters who actually look like people”.[3] The series uses locations in and near the former school campus at the National Innovative Centre (SPF) in Islev, Rødovre. The theme song is “Speak Out Now” by the Danish musician Oh Land.[4]

A spin-off of the series called Hjørdis debuted in May 2015.[5] It was announced prior to, but aired after, Rita’s third season[6] The spin-off takes place in the same school as ‘Rita’, focusing on her colleague Hjordis’ attempt to organize a school play. Mille Dinesen did not return for that series[7]